The days leading up to the Nadas show at People’s remained an enigma to many looking to attend. It’s being sponsored by Playboy, right? Well, who’s going to be there? Will I get to see naked chicks? What’s with this whole wearing pajamas thing? Is a sock enough?

The fact of the matter is, it wasn’t just a whole bunch of horny, red-blooded American boys waiting to lay their eyes on a Playboy model, although this group was well represented. Both regulars and purely interested parties stood outside People’s for over an hour to catch a glimpse of what Megan O’Leary, 24, graduate student in mechanical engineering, half-heartedly called “the event of the century.”

“If Playboy is in town, this must be big,” she added.

O’Leary and fellow People’s co-worker Andrea Lawler, 26, eagerly awaited entrance just like everyone else. No inside tracks for tonight’s illustrious occasion.

Everyone was waiting to grab a copy of Playboy’s October issue featuring a four-page spread on Ames band the Nadas. The article chronicles a short outing with the guys and shows what life is like on the road with them. The party was sponsored by Playboy and had many looking to light up the town.

When asked what he was here for, Brian Garland, 21, honestly admitted, “Well, I’m here for the Nadas and Playboy. I’m a music lover and a raging pervert.” Garland went on to say he first got his hands on a Playboy magazine at age nine.

As doors opened, lines stretching around both corners of People’s, spilling in to find the bar decorated with Playboy balloons and a new People’s logo on the back wall of the stage, freshly air-brushed by the guys from the Asylum.

The Nadas lounged on couches to welcome patrons and sign issues of the latest edition of Playboy. The welcoming line included a complimentary October issue of Playboy, a Corona and a chance for a photo with Baywatch bombshell Traci Bingham.

Bingham and husband, Ames native Robb Vallier, were in town to take in the event but also to celebrate their third wedding anniversary. The couple had a gala event of their own, holding their reception in the Memorial Union a few years ago.

Vallier couldn’t have been more energetic about the Nadas’ exposure in Playboy.

“It’s great a band from the area is getting the attention and recognition they deserve. I told them it’s going to be very easy to get in a whirlwind over this, but to stay conscious of their actions.” Vallier admits to having been close with the band and is scouting them for RCA Records. “Good things are about to happen to the Nadas.”

Alison Lundgren, associate editor for Playboy, made the trek from Chicago to check out the Nadas on their home turf.

“We were looking for a band with college ties and were pitched names from Denver, Iowa and Chicago. They were the only name I heard come up more than once. I got to know them well. They were very forthcoming and have an interesting story. They’re Iowa farm kids who play music, feel successful and are having a great time. They’re normal guys, have fans, but are down to earth. They could be cocky, but aren’t,” she said.

A short visit with a few of the fellas in the Nadas is all it took to see they still have their feet planted firmly on the ground, just as Lundgren said.

Singer/guitarist Jason Walsmith, decked out in newly purchased PJs, is optimistic about climbing to the next rung on the ladder of rock `n’ roll. “We’ve done pretty much everything we can as an independent band. There’s a certain length of time a band needs to spend at this level. I think we’ve done this.”

He continued that without the push of a big label, it’s hard to get on the radio. “We’re a safe bet. We’ve sold lots of CDs and we play good music.”

Walsmith scoffs at the notion that they are trying to change to a more “rock” oriented sound by brandishing an electric guitar instead of his usual acoustic.

“This simply adds a new dynamic to our playing. We’re not trying to change our sound. It’s about the show.”

Bassist Brett Nelson is as equally excited about his role in the Nadas.

“Playing is darn fun. I don’t dread going to work! It’s laid back and there’s no stress. Well, I do get stressed driving the RV in downtown Chicago.”

The Nadas’ article in Playboy cast them as a band on the road taking part in the thrills, crises and debauchery that goes with the territory. There’s no mention of title “frat rock” which Walsmith said is a label that’s been tagged on them solely in Ames.

Performing to a sea of nightwear, the guys rocked through their set without a hitch. And why wouldn’t they? This is their turf, their home. Fans and acquaintances alike came up on stage to sing and play with them per usual. Singer/guitarist Mike Butterworth couldn’t help but stand out with his brilliant blue wig and gold Les Paul. If Gorillaz is looking for another member, Butterworth would certainly look at home in animation.

When the show ended, the Nadas, with entourage in tow, pulled away in a stretched limo with hopes of some after-hours activities. A little post-work fun never hurt anyone.

Whatever the future has in store for the Nadas, it’s apparent the band members are intent on retaining the values the Midwest have instilled in them growing up here. Big record deal or not, these guys are having fun doing their jobs.